Please note: Leadership is completely full for the 2010 summer.  If your child is in 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th grade, please feel free to complete the application, and we will place your child on the wait list.  If a space becomes available for your child we will let you know.

Journey is the fourth and culminating year of the Leadership Training Program.  It is for 15 year-olds who have completed 9th grade. Leadership Journey campers must have participated in and successfully completed the Leadership Adventure program.  They attend all four sessions of the summer camp program. Leadership Journey campers are positive role models for younger campers, and take an active interest in helping campers make friends, learn skills, and have fun. 

Campers participate in one summer-long program.
June 5 – July 31, 2010 (co-ed)

In the first session, campers continue the Counselors in Training (CIT) program.  They learn the role of a staff member, help campers learn the mission and philosophy of Sherwood Forest Camp, help children have a positive camp experience, address problems campers may face while at camp, and practice how to implement the camp's emergency procedures.  The CIT curriculum is designed to be interactive and experiential.

During the second session at camp, Leadership Journey campers complete our CIT program and plan their graduation. They also complete plans for their final 14-16 day trip that includes visiting national parks, exploring educational opportunities at colleges and universities, and undertaking a major community service project. Leadership Journey campers visit and explore nationally recognized wilderness environments and other United Way sponsored agencies outside the local area. 

During the third and fourth sessions of camp, Leadership Journey campers take their big trip. Upon returning to camp, they prepare and present a detailed overview of their experiences to the Shantoah and Sycamore Springs villages.

Leadership Journey campers are self-motivated and energetic.  They are self-aware and self-confident. They work well in teams - able to lead, facilitate or follow as needed.  They have excellent outdoor skills and understand their responsibilities as stewards of the natural world.  Campers who successfully complete this final level of Leadership will graduate from the program and be eligible for employment at Sherwood Forest Camp the following summer.

Leadership Journey campers will:

• be able to articulate the mission of the camp and a staff member's role in implementing it.
• understand and have had experience in staff members' roles in camp.
• have a basic understanding of the developmental processes affecting younger campers and be able to apply that understanding to their work with such groups.
• have the skills and experience necessary to effectively teach a variety of camp activities.
• understand their role in following the camp's emergency procedures.
• work together effectively in order to complete a project of significant service to the community.

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Previous camp experience: Completed the Leadership Adventure program
• Recommendation: From Leadership Adventure group leader, village director, and teacher/counselor
• School and community standing: Good citizen who works to his/her potential
• Application preparation: Completed by parents with applicant's statement of purpose
• Other requirements: Participation in school-year meetings and attendance at planning sessions